Neuropsychology Review
August 4, 2021
Tim Whitfield, Thorsten Barnhofer, Rebecca L. Acabchuk et al.
193 citations
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) show a small but significant benefit for cognitive performance, particularly for executive function and working memory, according to a meta-analysis of 56 randomized controlled trials involving 2,931 adults. The overall effect favoring MBPs over comparators was small (g = 0.15). Benefits were strongest for non-clinical samples and adults over 60, and when MBPs were compared to inactive controls rather than active ones. No significant effects were found for other cognitive domains. Most studies had unclear risk of bias, and some statistical results were unreliable. The findings partially support the idea that mindfulness practice can enhance certain cognitive abilities.
Frontiers in Psychology
November 22, 2021
Willoughby B. Britton, Gaelle Desbordes, Rebecca L. Acabchuk et al.
77 citations
Self-related processes (SRPs) such as rumination, self-compassion, self-efficacy, and self-esteem are theorized to be key mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). This evidence map introduces a framework for categorizing SRPs and assesses how well mindfulness training engages these targets and whether engagement relates to improved outcomes. Rumination shows the strongest evidence as a mechanism for depression, with support for other health outcomes as well. Self-compassion consistently engages with mindfulness training but inconsistently links to better outcomes. Decentering and interoception are emerging potential mechanisms, though their construct validity remains under development. Few SRPs have been measured in MBIs, and more research with well-validated measures is needed.
Mindfulness
September 1, 2023
Blair T Johnson, Rebecca L. Acabchuk, Elisabeth A George et al.
45 citations
Mindfulness-based programs improve well-being in college students, with the strongest evidence for reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 58 randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness interventions significantly outperformed both active and inactive controls, with the most marked effects on anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. Greater success appeared for clinical populations. Online programs performed equivalently to in-person programs, and non-mindfulness-based programs were equivalent to mindfulness-based programs after controlling for other factors. Publication bias and other quality issues emerged. More studies using stronger methods are needed to evaluate effects on additional health outcomes and online interventions in clinical populations.
Alzheimer s & Dementia
December 1, 2020
Tim Whitfield, Thorsten Barnhofer, Rebecca L. Acabchuk et al.
6 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 46 studies examined whether mindfulness-based programs improve cognitive performance across the adult lifespan. When combining healthy and clinical studies of working-age adults (18–65 years), there was no significant effect of mindfulness training on cognitive performance compared to control conditions. However, a small but significant positive effect was observed for older adults (over 65), including those with subjective or objective cognitive impairment. The cognitive domains most frequently measured were executive function and attention. The findings suggest that mindfulness-based programs may confer cognitive benefits primarily for older adults, with no evidence of benefit for younger populations.
Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being
November 2, 2020
Rebecca L. Acabchuk, Julie M. Brisson, Crystal L. Park et al.
A meta-analysis of 20 studies (539 participants) found that meditation, yoga, and mindfulness-based interventions improved overall symptoms in people with chronic symptoms from mild traumatic brain injury compared to controls (d = 0.41). Within-group improvements were seen in mental health, physical health, cognitive performance, quality of life, and self-related processing. Fatigue and depression showed the largest improvements. The authors note that the findings are promising but highlight the need for more rigorous trials with randomization, blinding, and adverse event recording.